5 DIY Spice Blends

Any chef, from rookie to Michelin star, knows that no kitchen is complete without their signature spices. A good spice mix has the ability to make or break any dish, so if you’re anything like me, you’ll likely have a draw brimming with every store-bought blend under the sun. One way to simplify the chaos is by sticking to the staples and mixing up your own tasty spices as each recipe requires. On top of being incredibly easy and versatile, it also greatly reduces all the nasty fillers you often find in the mainstream supermarket mixes. So whatever the occasion, whether it’s dinner for one or brunch for a bunch, get a little creative and try these 5 DIY spice blends.

1. Everything Bagel Spice

• 3 tablespoons toasted white or black sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

• 1-2 tablespoons caraway seeds

• 2 teaspoons dried onion

• 2 teaspoons dried garlic

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed

Combine everything in a small bowl or glass jar. Keep stored in a cool, dry place. If needed, season to taste with more salt.

2. Healthified Cheesy Doritos Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast to make it vegan)

• Optional pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Mix everything together in a small bowl or glass jar, and store in a cool, dry place. Best enjoyed while the parmesan is fresh and sprinkled on your own, homemade tortilla chips.

3. Middle Eastern Za’atar

• 1 tablespoon dried crushed thyme (substitute oregano if unavailable)

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon coriander

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon sumac

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon or more chili flakes (optional)

Add ingredients to a glass jar and shake together. Best enjoyed fresh, with Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, but it pairs well with a simple avocado toast too!

4. Choose Your Heat Curry Powder

• 2 tablespoon ground coriander

• 2 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 1/2 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or ground chilies

Use a mortar and pestle to grind all the spices to their finest powder before mixing in a bowl and storing in an airtight container. This mix will yield a mild blend, but add more cayenne pepper or ground chili to taste.

5. The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie Spice

• 4 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon ginger

• 1 tablespoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon allspice

• 2 teaspoons ground cloves

Mix and shake in a small airtight jar, and store for weeks on end. Use in all your favorite fall recipes.

Are spices a staple part of your kitchen? Share your must-have mix in the comments below, or let us know a popular blend you would like us to healthify!

---